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libraryowl's review
2.0
Why give a novel that seems to be one I should enjoy only 2 stars? I hated....Really, really hated the two female main characters. They are the most selfish human beings on our planet. I would have given the book one star, but the fact is I read the entire book. I believe that one star books are unreadable. This novel is ok. There are 2 main female characters who both marry a man who is not the love of their life. One story is older, the grandmother's story. One is new, her granddaughter. In both cases egocentrism must run rampant in their family. Both feel that it is their "less than desirable" husbands duty to adore them to pieces and bend over backward for them. The story evolves around the imperfect marriages and the females acceptance of their spouses. It's amazing to me that author Prunty didn't focus on the acceptance of the husband's life partnership. After all they were the ones who were virtually treated like crap. I don't know, maybe this story is empowering for women who would like the world to revolve around them. I wish I could give this book one and a half instead of two. But, I was able to read it after all.
terryliz's review
5.0
I'm not sure how I stumbled across this title, but I'm very glad I did because I got into this story from page one. I was able to relate to the protagonist, Tressa because, like her, I married late in life and; after so many years living alone, found living with another person rather bewildering.
The situations and the characters all rang true to me and I also enjoyed the alternating stories format where one chapter was Tressa's story and the next would be the story of her grandmother's marriage.
I had never heard of Morag Prunty, but discovered she is now publishing under the name Kate Kerrigan which was familiar to me. I look forward to reading other novels by this author.
The situations and the characters all rang true to me and I also enjoyed the alternating stories format where one chapter was Tressa's story and the next would be the story of her grandmother's marriage.
I had never heard of Morag Prunty, but discovered she is now publishing under the name Kate Kerrigan which was familiar to me. I look forward to reading other novels by this author.
hannahmayreads's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This tale of two marriages is not what I expected. Every marriage faces challenges, and this book is a wonderful example of this. Following Tressa, and her Grandmother Bernadine's, journey into married life is quite inspiring in a very everyday way. The two tales intertwine seamlessly, and there is a sense of continuity flowing through it.
There is no solution, and 'true love is not always a burning desire - slow cooking gives the tenderest results.
And bonus, there are some great recipes that I plan on trying!
There is no solution, and 'true love is not always a burning desire - slow cooking gives the tenderest results.
And bonus, there are some great recipes that I plan on trying!
margreads's review against another edition
2.0
2.5/5
real pity that neither of the main female characters were likable.
real pity that neither of the main female characters were likable.
shelbyjo's review against another edition
4.0
This was a quick read for me. The pages seemed to fly by. It was an enjoyable story that i liked the idea of, but think it lacked in execution in some areas.
In the first half or so, it annoyed me how much the main character complained and whined about her husband. Like REALLY annoyed me. I'm glad the story ended the way it did though.
I also really liked how it was written where each chapter alternated between the grandmother and granddaughters stories. It flowed nicely.
In the first half or so, it annoyed me how much the main character complained and whined about her husband. Like REALLY annoyed me. I'm glad the story ended the way it did though.
I also really liked how it was written where each chapter alternated between the grandmother and granddaughters stories. It flowed nicely.
bringmybooks's review against another edition
4.0
Too tired tonight...will review properly tomorrow! :)
//Update: April 28th, 2012//
I am going to start by saying this: I love this author, and I love her writing style. I also love how unflinchingly honest she is in everything that I've read from her. This is no light fare/chick lit/etc, etc, no siree.
Now...this one was kind-of difficult for me because of how incredibly sad I found some parts of it. Ultimately, this book is about making a marriage work; how to work compromise, loyalty, acceptance, friendship, and love into your everyday lives together. But this book is also about how not every marriage is perfect, how there are still marriages happening every day (in every culture) where both parties are not exactly thrilled about the union going into it. Whether it be an arranged marriage, or simply two aging adults that feel they need to figure something out (and this seems good enough), this is definitely not a made-up phenomenon.
This book is told from two perspectives; the first from a woman in Ireland as she copes with an arranged marriage with a man she does not love, and the second from a woman in America as she tries to determine if her marriage was a mid-life crisis that she now can't get out of. I very much respect Kerrigan's honest portrayal of both women, even if at times their actions came off rather unflattering. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll end the plot outline there...
Result: I would definitely recommend this book, but maybe not for a quick beach read.
Also, if you have read this one and just aren't sure about the author (as I see from a few other reviewers) don't give up so easily! Read Ellis Island and I guarantee you'll see why I like her so much! :)
//Update: April 28th, 2012//
I am going to start by saying this: I love this author, and I love her writing style. I also love how unflinchingly honest she is in everything that I've read from her. This is no light fare/chick lit/etc, etc, no siree.
Now...this one was kind-of difficult for me because of how incredibly sad I found some parts of it. Ultimately, this book is about making a marriage work; how to work compromise, loyalty, acceptance, friendship, and love into your everyday lives together. But this book is also about how not every marriage is perfect, how there are still marriages happening every day (in every culture) where both parties are not exactly thrilled about the union going into it. Whether it be an arranged marriage, or simply two aging adults that feel they need to figure something out (and this seems good enough), this is definitely not a made-up phenomenon.
This book is told from two perspectives; the first from a woman in Ireland as she copes with an arranged marriage with a man she does not love, and the second from a woman in America as she tries to determine if her marriage was a mid-life crisis that she now can't get out of. I very much respect Kerrigan's honest portrayal of both women, even if at times their actions came off rather unflattering. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll end the plot outline there...
Result: I would definitely recommend this book, but maybe not for a quick beach read.
Also, if you have read this one and just aren't sure about the author (as I see from a few other reviewers) don't give up so easily! Read Ellis Island and I guarantee you'll see why I like her so much! :)
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